How to Clean the Other on Xiaomi Mi 9: 5 Ways to Work + Reasons Analysis

Why Xiaomi Mi 9’s Other takes up gigabytes of memory – and how to fix it

You open up storage on Xiaomi Mi 9, and instead of free space, there's a mysterious "Other" section that takes 10, 20 or even 30 GB? It's not a virus or a system bug. So MIUI (even in the latest versions) groups files that don't fall into the standard categories: app cache, temporary data, remnants of deleted programs, system logs and even hidden folders of messengers. On Mi 9 with its 64/128 GB of memory, the problem is especially noticeable - users often face space shortage because of this partition.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to clean the Other, from basic (via built-in MIUI tools) to advanced (using ADB and third-party utilities), and explain why memory is clogged again after a week - and how to avoid this. All methods are tested on Mi 9 (codenamed cepheus) with MIUI 12-14 firmware based on Android 10-12.

⚠️ Important: Some methods require you to connect to a PC or activate a developer mode. ADB Start with the first three methods – they are safe and do not require technical skills.

Method 1: Cleaning through the built-in MIUI storage

The easiest method is to use the Cleanup tool in MIUI settings, which removes temporary files, cache and debris that often end up in the Other section. On the Mi 9, this method frees up 1 to 5 GB of storage.

How to do this:

📱 Open the Settings. → Warehouse.
🔍 Tap on the “Other” section (or “Other” in older versions) MIUI).
🧹 Click "Clean" in the upper right corner.
✅ Confirm the removal (the system will show how much space will be vacated).

If the Clean button is inactive or the cleanup is not working, move on to the next one. Often MIUI doesn't see the deep system files that have been accumulating for years.

📊 How often do you clear your memory on Xiaomi?

Once a week.

Once a month

Only when the place ends.

Never clean.

Method 2: Manual removal of application cache

App cache is the main culprit in the “Other” partitioning, with Telegram, WhatsApp, Google Play Services and MIUI System particularly at fault on the Mi 9, and manually clearing the cache often frees up 3 to 10 GB.

Instructions:

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Sort the list by size (tap on three dots in the upper right corner → “By size”).
Open each application from the top-10 and click "Clear the cache».
For system applications (such as MIUI System), you may need to click Storage → Clear Data.

⚠️ Note: Do not clear the data (“Clear all data”) for applications that you are logged in (banks, social networks, instant messengers) – this will lead to logging out of your account.

Backup important data |Close all applications |Connect charging (process can take 5-10 minutes) |Check free space before and after cleaning-->

Method 3: Resetting cache via Recovery Mode

If standard methods don’t work, try resetting the cache partition through recovery mode, which won’t delete your data, but will clear temporary system files that can take up to 1-3 GB.

Step-by-step:

Turn off the Xiaomi Mi 9.
Press the Power + Volume buttons up until the Mi logo appears.
From the Recovery menu, select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for selection).
Confirm the action and wait for the completion.
Reboot your phone (Reboot → System)

This method is especially effective if the Other came up after a MIUI update or reset, and if the partition is filled again after the reboot, the problem is deeper and you need to use ADB or third-party utilities.

What is Recovery Mode and why is it needed?

Recovery Mode is a separate partition of memory on Android devices that allows you to perform service operations (reset, update, cache cleaning) without loading the main system. On Xiaomi, it is used to install firmware through fastboot, reset to factory settings and clear the cache. Important: do not confuse stock recovery (standard) and custom (for example, TWRP) – the latter is installed separately and gives more features, but requires unlocking the bootloader.

Method 4: Memory analysis via ADB (for advanced)

If previous methods didn’t work, you’ll have to connect the Xiaomi Mi 9 to your PC and analyze the contents of the “Other” section through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which will help you find hidden folders and files that are not visible through the standard interface.

What you need:

🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
📱 Developer mode enabled and debugging by USB on Mi 9.
🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Instructions:

Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd) in the ADB folder.
Enter the command to view the occupied space: adb shell df -h Note the line with /data is the main section of user data.
To see the largest folders, do: adb shell du -h -d 1 /data | sort -h
Delete unnecessary files (e.g. old logs): adb shell rm -rf /data/log/*

⚠️ Note: Only delete files and folders that you are sure of (e.g., name, /data/log, /data/local/tmp). An error can cause a system to crash. If you're not sure, skip this step and use the method. 5.

💡

Before working with ADB, back up important data via adb backup or manually copy files to your PC.

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab

Method 5: Third-party utilities for deep cleaning

If manual methods don't work, use specialized applications that scan memory deeper than standard MIUI tools, and find hidden files, remnants of deleted applications, and duplicates.

The best tools for Xiaomi Mi 9:

Annex	What cleanses	Average result	Wants a Root?
Files by Google	Garbage files, duplicates, old screenshots	1-4 GB	❌ No.
SD Maid	App residues, cache, empty folders	2-8 GB	✅ Yes (for deep cleaning)
CCleaner	Cash, history, temporary files.	0.5-3 GB	❌ No.
Storage Analyzer	Analysis of occupied space by folders	Helps you find “heavy” files	❌ No.

Recommendation: Start with Files by Google, an official Google app that doesn’t require root rights and is secure for the system. If you need more, try SD Maid, but note that it will require unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk to work properly.

💡

Third-party utilities are more effective than standard MIUI tools, but only use proven apps from Google Play. Avoid "cleaners" that charge for basic features - they often contain adware.

Why the Other is Coming Back – and How to Avoid It

Even after cleaning, the Other section may grow back in a few days.

🤖 Automatic caching of applications (especially Google Play Services and Google Play Services) MIUI System).
📁 Hidden folders of messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp store media in the Internet) /Android/media).
🔄 Residual files after updates MIUI (The system does not always remove older versions).
📊 Logs and dumps that the system creates when it fails.

How to minimize the problem:

Turn off auto-update apps in Google Play (or limit it to Wi-Fi only).
In the settings of messengers (Telegram, Viber) disable autoload media.
Regularly (once every 1-2 weeks) clean the cache through Settings → Storage.
If you use MIUI 12+, activate the Easy Mode function (Settings → Special Options → Easy Mode) – it reduces the background activity of the system.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi 9 firmware MIUI 11 A bug may be triggered in which the system duplicates files in the folder /MIUI/backup. Check this folder manually through the file manager and remove old backups.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the “Other” section on Xiaomi Mi 9

Can you remove the “Other” completely so it doesn’t come back?

No, it's impossible. The Other section is not garbage, it's the service files of the system and applications. It can only be reduced (to 1-3 GB), but not removed at all. If it grows again after cleaning, then some application actively creates temporary files (most often the messengers or games are to blame).

Is it safe to use apps like Clear Master?

No, it's not safe. These cleaners often delete important system files, which causes MIUI to crash. They also consume resources themselves and may contain advertising software. Use only proven utilities (Files by Google, SD Maid) or built-in MIUI tools.

Will the reset to factory settings help?

Yes, but it's an extreme measure. A reset will delete all data, including "Other", but if the cause is a system bug (e.g., in the case of a system bug). MIUI 10 was a duplicate file bug, the problem may come back.Before reset, back up via Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

Why has the “Other” section grown since the MIUI update?

When you update, the system saves old versions of files in case of rollback. If the update is successful, these files should be deleted automatically, but sometimes they remain in the folder. /cache or /data/ota_package. Remove them manually through a file manager with root rights or using the ADB.

Can I transfer a part of the “Other” to a memory card?

No, it's technically impossible. The Other section contains system files that must be stored in internal memory, but you can transfer media files, documents, and some application data to a microSD (if they support this feature).